In January 2025, the Co-LIFE program officially came to life with its very first in-person gathering in Goa. For the 40 students from across India and Europe, this wasn’t just a trip — it was the start of a transformative journey in impact-focused entrepreneurship.
For the first time, students met each other face-to-face, connected with their mentors and coaches, and discovered the true scope of the project. The energy was palpable — a mix of curiosity, excitement, and a shared drive to build something meaningful over the next few months.
Breaking the Ice
The week began with ice-breaker activities that helped the students get to know one another beyond their academic backgrounds. These sessions created space for laughter, openness, and trust — essential foundations for the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration that lies at the heart of Co-LIFE.
Meeting the Entrepreneurs
One of the most powerful moments of the visit was when students stepped out of the classroom and into the real world — meeting entrepreneurs at their site locations. These case studies gave students a first-hand look at the challenges and opportunities of building socially and environmentally conscious businesses.
Teams in Action
Students were grouped with their mentors and, for the first time, started interacting as working teams. Together, they laid out workflows and working schedules for the upcoming 9–10 weeks. This process not only set expectations but also allowed students to explore team dynamics, understand different working styles, and begin shaping their collective vision.
Looking Ahead
The Goa visit was more than an orientation — it was a foundation. By the end of the week, students left with clarity about the project, excitement about their teams, and the confidence to begin their three-month journey. For mentors and coaches, it was equally inspiring to see the groups form, ideas spark, and collaboration begin in earnest.
The next 10 weeks promise to be an intense, immersive, and rewarding experience — and Goa was the perfect beginning.
